Islamabad, Nov 30(ANI): Former International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Ehsan Mani has claimed the much anticipated Pakistan Premier League (PPL) is necessary for the country’s hopes of bringing backing international cricket on their soil.

The concept of an Indian Premier League (IPL) style tournament promises to be a win-win situation for all concerned in Pakistan.

For the audiences, it would provide entertainment of a high quality whereas for the organizers and players, it represents access to financial rewards that wouldn’t necessarily be available to them in domestic cricket.

The marketing of such a tournament is of paramount importance and that is an idea, which Mani appreciates, and he would like the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to pay close attention to, as they go about their preparations for the inaugural edition of the Pakistani T20 League.

“I think it’s right that Pakistan should have it’s version of a T20 Premier League. There will be challenges about holding the tournament in Pakistan but it’s the right thing to do even if it means that to begin with there are mainly Pakistani players taking part and only a few international players in the inaugural edition of the tournament,” PakPassion.com quoted Mani, as saying.

“In terms of the commercial aspect, I’m sure the PPL will not be short of interested parties wanting to invest in the tournament although Television revenue will be the main source of income and If a broadcaster does take a long term view and lines up a long deal with the PCB then I think in 2 or 3 years’ time they will realise they are onto something very good,” he added. (ANI)